A massage works in wonderful ways, easing stress and pain, calming the nervous system, increasing circulation, loosening tight muscles, stimulating internal organs, and enhancing skin. The multiplicity of physiological responses sends a simple, clear message to the mind: Massage feels good. Of course, you want to hold on to that just-had-a-massage feeling — total body relaxation, muscles relaxed and at ease, and fluid movement restored — for as long as possible.
But how long that bliss lasts depends on the state of your body. If you’re suffering from chronic pain or recovering from injury, then it may take more sessions and perhaps different modalities before optimal health is restored.
If massage is part of your regular health regimen, then it’s more likely the effects will endure. In other words, the effects of massage are cumulative, like any healthy habit. The more often you get a massage, the greater and longer-lasting the benefits.
Massage FrequencyHow often you receive massage depends on why you’re seeking massage. In dealing with the general tension of everyday commutes, computer work, and time demands, a monthly massage may be enough to sustain you. On the other hand, if you’re seeking massage for chronic pain, you may need regular treatments every week or two. Or if you’re addressing an acute injury or dealing with high levels of stress, you may need more frequent sessions. Your situation will dictate the optimum time between treatments, and your practitioner will work with you to determine the best course of action.
“You need to consider how you felt before the session and how you felt after, and then look at how long you maintain that,” says Pieter Sommen, the chair of the eastern department in the Swedish Institute School of Massage Therapy in New York.
In general, experts say “regular” is preferable, but how regular depends on your situation. While daily massage would be delightful, practical considerations such as cost, time, and physical need likely determine the frequency of treatments. “It’s best to maintain a schedule,” says Eeris Kallil, CMT, a shiatsu instructor at the Boulder College of Massage Therapy in Colorado. “That way the body becomes conditioned and prepared for session at specific intervals.”
MaintenanceWhether you get a massage weekly, monthly, or just every once in a while, the following habits can maximize and extend the afterglow of treatment.
WaterOne bit of advice you’ll hear over and over again is to drink plenty of water after a massage. Bodywork — no matter the particular modality — releases toxins, such as lactic acid and carbonic acid, that need to be flushed from the body. Massage also promotes circulation, increasing blood flow and oxygen and stimulating the lymphatic system, which helps rid the body of pathogens. After-massage hydration supports these functions, helping to eliminate released impurities, sooner rather than later.
StretchingAnother helpful habit is stretching between massages to maintain joint mobility, prevent muscles from tightening up again, and keeping the life energy flowing. This may mean doing yoga or whatever specific or full-body stretches suggested by your practitioner. After a shiatsu session, for example, your practitioner may recommend “makko-ho” stretches, a series of six exercises designed to keep energy circulating. “This series of stretches take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes a day, but really help keep the chi flowing through the body,” says Kallil.
ExerciseWorking out can also help maintain the benefits of massage, and this habit should be continually cultivated. However, if you’re receiving massage therapy to help speed muscle strain recovery, you may need to ease up on the exercise for a while and give the body time to heal — particularly if you’re recovering from a strenuous body-pummeling training regimen. “You don’t want to over-work your body,” says Kallil. That is, if running is taking a toll, try something more gentle and meditative such as swimming, walking, or tai chi.
Body AwarenessAfter a massage, respect how your body feels. If your body seems to ask for rest, give in to that demand. This may mean backing off the to-do list, taking it easy, moving slower, and perhaps doing less for a while. And don’t allow yourself to get fatigued because it will undermine the effects of massage. Get sufficient sleep to allow the body to absorb the effects and regain vitality.
DietFinally, since you’ve just rid the body of toxins, support the body’s renewed state by adhering to a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which will continue the detoxification process. Lay off the espresso and all adrenaline-challenges for a time — which would short-circuit relaxation anyway — and enjoy the calm.
The benefits of massage are many, including: increasing circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients throughout the body; stimulating lymph flow and boosting immunity; relaxing overused or tight muscles; increasing joint mobility and range of motion; reducing recovery time after strenuous workouts or surgery; and relieving back pain and migraines, just to name a few.
After receiving a massage, clients feel rejuvenated, relaxed, and refreshed. By opting for a few lifestyle choices, you can extend these benefits and get the most out of your massage.
When you schedule your next massage session, why not consider a Himalayan Salt Stone massage session?
The benefits are amazing. You can see the effects of the salt after one session. Your skin, body and mind will thank you! Himalayan Salt Stones provide 84 essential mineral and trace compounds. The stones can be used in conjunction with other massage techniques. Salt Stones can be used hot or cold and unlike River Stones, Himalayan Stones have anti micro-bacterial properties.
Benefits of a Himalayan Salt Stone Massage:
- Negative ions are produced when heated creating a sense of peace and a deeper sense of relaxation.
- The heat of the salt melts restrictive fascia to go deeper into the muscles and loosens the joints.
- The moist heat of the stones can assist with soothing inflamed muscles and joints.
- Leaves the skin feeling refreshed and glowing.
- The salt stones moisturize and plump up the superficial layers of the skin.
- May detoxify and alkaline the body.
- May aid in better sleep, reduce blood pressure and stress.
Himalayan Salt Stones can ground and balance meridian levels, Chakras and clear your Prana.
By: KARI OAKES, Family Practice News Digital Network JUNE 20, 2016
koakes@frontlinemedcom.com
On Twitter @karioakes
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. – Simple, effective, nonpharmacologic therapies can significantly augment pharmacotherapy for patients with treatment-resistant depression, according to Dr. Mark Hyman Rapaport. More complex complementary approaches are being explored and may hold promise as part of the future of precision medicine, but well-tested strategies can still help many patients, he said.
Speaking at a session focused on treatment-resistant depression at a meeting of the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Dr. Rapaport, chairman of the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and Reunette W. Harris Professor at Emory University, Atlanta, began with the basics.
Massage can effectively improve mood for individuals with depression as well. In a study of HIV-positive individuals with major depressive disorder and on stable medication, those who received weekly massage had a 33% decrease in HAM-D scores, compared with a 12% increase for those receiving light touch, and a 9% decrease for those on a wait list who received neither touch nor massage (P less than .05). The response rate of 40% for those receiving massage also was significantly higher than the 6.3% for those receiving light touch and the 14% for those on the wait list (P less than .05).
Recently completed unpublished work by Dr. Rapaport and his colleagues involving patients with generalized anxiety disorder also showed significantly greater improvement on a self-rating scale for anxiety for those receiving twice-weekly Swedish massage therapy, compared with those receiving light touch.
“Our patients – their symptoms aren’t just what we see on the monitors – they deal with quality of life, they deal with functioning,” said Dr. Rapaport, “so there are many things that we as clinicians need to look at,” he said at the meeting. “The key is this: There’s a slowly increasing but limited data set for [treatment-resistant depression]. We need to find the right treatments for the right subjects. “
The ASCP meeting was formerly known as the New Clinical Drug Evaluation Unit meeting. Dr. Rapaport reported no relevant financial conflicts.
Online Source – Full Article: http://www.familypracticenews.com/specialty-focus/mental-health/single-article-page/alternative-therapies-can-augment-treatment-in-resistant-depression/178b525c26e436f3ab0a5657b5bca4b5.html
One in five Americans are impacted by seasonal change
Massage therapy has shown to improve mood and elevate energy levels
People looking to fend off the winter blues may find relief by integrating massage therapy into their health maintenance routine. Shorter days and colder temperatures leave many Americans feeling depressed and lethargic, yet studies show that regular massages improve mood and reset circadian rhythms, leading to better sleep and more energy.
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is recognized as a major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns. A less severe form of seasonal mood disorder, known as the winter blues, impacts an even larger portion of the population. Combined, the two disorders affect as many as one in five Americans, and may be aggravated by the change to Daylight Savings Time. Symptoms include reduced energy, difficulty rising in the morning and a tendency to eat more, especially sweets and starches.
“As we approach the colder, darker months, massage therapy may be an effective method of deflecting common seasonal challenges,” said Jeff Smoot, President of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). “Massage benefits the way our bodies react to negative influences, whether that’s weather, anxieties or disorders.”
A growing body of research is documenting the impact of massage therapy for relief of anxiety and depression for people in a wide range of health situations. For example, in a controlled study composed of HIV-positive adolescents, participants who received massage therapy reported feeling less anxious and less depressed by the end of the 12-week study.
A randomized study found women with stage 1 and 2 breast cancer benefited from regular massage therapy sessions. The immediate massage benefits included reduced anxiety, depressed mood and anger while the long-term impact reduced depression and increased serotonin values. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter with functions in various parts of the body, works to regulate mood, appetite, sleep, memory and learning. Massage therapy was also found to improve sleep, specifically by assisting with circadian rhythms, or the body clock. A study investigating the effects of massage therapy on the adjustment of rest to activity, as well as melatonin secretion rhythms in full-term infants, found massage therapy enhanced coordination of the circadian system.
Find a Massage Therapist Near You
A qualified massage therapist can play an important role in health and wellness. Individuals should consult with a professional massage therapist to determine the best massage therapy approach for their specific needs. By meeting or exceeding state training requirements, ascribing to a code of ethics and participating in continuing education, AMTA massage therapists are appropriate additions to any wellness regimen and create specialized approaches based on individual conditions, fitness and goals. www.ShaZenMassage.com
About The American Massage Therapy Association
The American Massage Therapy Association, the most respected name in massage therapy, is the largest non-profit, professional association serving massage therapists, massage students and massage schools. The association is directed by volunteer leadership and fosters ongoing, direct member-involvement through its 51 chapters. AMTA works to advance the profession through ethics and standards, the promotion of fair and consistent licensing of massage therapists in all states, and public education on the benefits of massage.
Online Source: https://www.amtamassage.org/research/Massage-Therapy-Research-Roundup/Massage-Therapy-Can-Help-Reduce-Winter-Blues.html
A new report indicates the U.S. has a big problem with sleep deprivation—a problem that has “a significant effect” on the American economy.
Why Sleep Matters—The Economic Costs of Insufficient Sleep, released Nov. 29 by RAND Corporation, quantifies the economic losses due to sleep deprivation among workers in five different countries: the U.S., U.K., Canada, Germany and Japan, according to a press release.
The U.S. topped the list with the most workdays lost to bad sleep, and the biggest financial loss—up to $411 billion; it was followed by Japan, then Germany, the U.K. and Canada.
We all know what a restful night’s sleep feels like compared with one that is restless; sleep supports physical, emotional and mental functioning. Studies have indicated that sleep disturbances are associated with obesity, depression, cardiovascular risk factors and neurological disorders.
Among the RAND report’s findings:
- Sleep deprivation increases the risk of mortality by 13 percent and leads to the U.S. losing around 1.2 million working days a year.
- Higher risk of mortality and lower productivity levels caused by bad sleep have a significant effect on a nation’s economy.
- Increasing nightly sleep from under six hours to between six and seven hours could add $226.4 billion to the U.S. economy.
Massage for Sleep?
The questions for massage therapists—and clients—are, can massage therapy help people get a better night’s sleep? And can massage therapy increase a person’s ability to fall—and stay—asleep, on a regular basis?
So far, research indicates the potential for massage therapy to benefit sleep, a benefit especially related to massage therapy’s ability to reduce stress and effect the relaxation response—outcomes that have been studied more than massage and sleep have been.
The effect of stress on sleep has been investigated, with researchers having looked at insomnia impacted by post-traumatic stress disorder, for example.
And an earlier study by RAND, a nonprofit that conducts research and analysis, Chronic Stress is Prospectively Associated with Sleep in Midlife Women, released in October 2015, noted, “Chronic stress is prospectively associated with sleep disturbance in midlife women, even after adjusting for acute stressors at the time of the sleep study and other factors known to disrupt sleep. These results are consistent with current models of stress that emphasize the cumulative effect of stressors on health over time.”
In his article, “How Soft Tissue Manipulation May Contribute to A Good Night’s Sleep,” (MASSAGE Magazine, August 2015), Roman Torgovitsky, Ph.D., wrote, “Many of the relaxation effects of massage therapy are likely to be mediated by the vagus nerve, according to Tiffany Field, Ph.D., director of the Touch Research Institute (TRI), at the University of Miami School of Medicine in Miami, Florida.”
Torgovitsky recounted that Field had told him, “‘The vagus nerve is a major parasympathetic nerve that sends efferent signals of relaxation to most vital organs … Stimulating pressure receptors in various parts of the body sends signals to the vagus nerve in the brain, [and] activation of the vagus nerve lowers heart rate, reduces blood pressure, increases gastric motility and relaxes muscles of the face and voice.’
“Numerous studies conducted by Field and colleagues show that massage reduces levels of stress hormones such as cortisol,” Torgovitsky continued. “TRI has not conducted research specifically on massage and sleep; however, cortisol can increase arousal and wakefulness, and interfere with deep sleep.”
Online Source: https://www.massagemag.com/can-massage-help-411-billion-sleep-problem-41975/
A massage works in wonderful ways, easing stress and pain, calming the nervous system, increasing circulation, loosening tight muscles, stimulating internal organs, and enhancing the skin. The multiplicity of physiological responses sends a simple, clear message to the mind: Massage feels good. Of course, you want to hold on to that just-had-a-massage feeling — total body relaxation, muscles relaxed and at ease, and fluid movement restored — for as long as possible.
But how long that bliss lasts depends on the state of your body. If you’re suffering from chronic pain or recovering from injury, then it may take more sessions and perhaps different modalities before optimal health is restored.
If massage is part of your regular health regimen, then it’s more likely the effects will endure. In other words, the effects of massage are cumulative, like any healthy habit. The more often you get a massage, the greater and longer-lasting the benefits.
Massage Frequency – How often you receive massage depends on why you’re seeking massage. In dealing with the general tension of everyday commutes, computer work, and time demands, a monthly massage may be enough to sustain you. On the other hand, if you’re seeking massage for chronic pain, you may need regular treatments every week or two. Or if you’re addressing an acute injury or dealing with high levels of stress, you may need more frequent sessions. Your situation will dictate the optimum time between treatments, and your practitioner will work with you to determine the best course of action. You need to consider how you felt before the session and how you felt after, and then look at how long you maintain that.
In general, experts say “regular” is preferable, but how regular depends on your situation. While daily massage would be delightful, practical considerations such as cost, time, and physical need likely determine the frequency of treatments. It’s best to maintain a schedule. That way the body becomes conditioned and prepared for a session at specific intervals.
Maintenance – Whether you get a massage weekly, monthly, or just every once in a while, the following habits can maximize and extend the benefits of your session.
Water – One bit of advice you’ll hear over and over again is to drink plenty of water after a massage. Bodywork — no matter the particular modality — releases toxins, such as lactic acid and carbonic acid, that need to be flushed from the body to help reduce post-massage muscle soreness. Massage also promotes circulation, increasing blood flow and oxygen and stimulating the lymphatic system, which helps rid the body of pathogens. After-massage hydration supports these functions, helping to eliminate released impurities, sooner rather than later.
Stretching – Another helpful habit is stretching between massages to maintain joint mobility, prevent muscles from tightening up again, and keeping the life energy flowing. This may mean doing yoga or full-body stretches suggested by your practitioner.
Exercise – Working out can also help maintain the benefits of massage, and this habit should be continually cultivated. However, if you’re receiving massage therapy to help speed muscle strain recovery, you may need to ease up on the exercise for a while and give the body time to heal — particularly if you’re recovering from a strenuous body-pummeling training regimen. “You don’t want to over-work your body,” says Kallil. That is, if running is taking a toll, try something more gentle and meditative such as swimming, walking, or tai chi.
Body Awareness – After a massage, respect how your body feels. If your body seems to ask for rest, give in to that demand. This may mean backing off the to-do list, taking it easy, moving slower, and perhaps doing less for a while. And don’t allow yourself to get fatigued because it will undermine the effects of massage. Get sufficient sleep to allow the body to absorb the effects and regain vitality.
Diet – Finally, since you’ve just rid the body of toxins, support the body’s renewed state by adhering to a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which will continue the detoxification process. Lay off the espresso and all adrenaline-challenges for a time — which would short-circuit relaxation anyway — and enjoy the calm.
The benefits of massage are many, including increasing circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients throughout the body; stimulating lymph flow and boosting immunity; relaxing overused or tight muscles; increasing joint mobility and range of motion; reducing recovery time after strenuous workouts or surgery; and relieving back pain and migraines, just to name a few.
After receiving a massage, clients feel rejuvenated, relaxed, and refreshed. By opting for a few lifestyle choices, you can extend these benefits and get the most out of your massage.
Online Source: http://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php/article_id/658/Making-the-Most-of-Your-Massage
A growing body of research indicates massage therapy can benefit the immune system, especially important during winter months.
People looking to fend off cold and flu as the winter months arrive should speak to a massage therapist about prevention strategies. Regular massages have been shown to make the immune system stronger, according to studies.
“Researchers working with patients with compromised immune systems have found massage therapy can improve how the immune system functions,” said Jeff Smoot, 2015 President of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). “Those same benefits can translate to people seeking to fight off the common cold, flu and other seasonal illnesses.”
Massage therapy increases the activity level of the body’s white blood cells that work to combat viruses. According to research from Cedars-Sinai, participants in a Swedish massage group experienced significant changes in lymphocytes, which play a large role in defending the body from disease. A lymphocyte is one of the three subtypes of white blood cells in the immune system.
Remember, only receive massage therapy when you’re healthy.
What the Research Says
In a controlled study composed of HIV-positive adolescents, participants who received massage therapy showed enhanced immune function by the end of the 12-week study. The immune changes included increased white blood cells knowns as natural killer (NK) cells, which provide rapid responses to viral-infected cells.
An additional randomized study found women with stage 1 and 2 breast cancer may benefit from massage therapy for enhancing dopamine and serotonin while also increasing NK cell number and lymphocytes. Immediate massage benefits included reduced anxiety while the long-term impact increased serotonin values, natural killer cell numbers and lymphocytes, which work to strengthen the immune system and cognitive function during sickness.
Online Source: https://www.amtamassage.org/research/Massage-Therapy-Research-Roundup/Research-Roundup0.html
1. Mark Hyman Rapaport, Pamela Schettler, and Catherine Bresee. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. October 2010, 16(10): 1079-1088. doi:10.1089/acm.2009.0634.
2. Diego, M., Field, T., Hernandez-reif, M., Shaw, K., Friedman, L., & Ironson, G. (2001). Hiv Adolescents Show Improved Immune Function Following Massage Therapy. International Journal of Neuroscience, 35-45.
3. Hernandezreif, M. (2004). Breast Cancer Patients Have Improved Immune And Neuroendocrine Functions Following Massage Therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 45-52.
Among all the benefits of cupping therapy and the many ailments it can heal, the most interesting is possibly using cupping therapy to promote weight loss. Excess weight is based on many factors such as a sluggish metabolism, stress, hormone imbalances, excessive intake of unhealthy food with low nutritional value and inadequate exercise. All of which can be caused by stagnate qi, or energy, within the body.
Cupping and its Targets
Cupping therapy can cause the free movement of the qi in the patient’s body by creating suction on specific points where the qi might stagnate, thus promoting weight loss. The cupping therapist might apply suction using cups of different sizes on 20 to 30 points on the front of the body such as the torso, arms and legs.
In this way, the 14 meridians of the body are targeted for stimulation such as the pericardium, Sanjiao, small and large intestines, Dai, gall bladder, liver, heart, lungs, spleen, stomach, kidney and Ren.
Silicone Massage Cupping
A common practice therapists might use massage or gliding cupping by creating suction and then moving the cup over the skin of the problem area. This type of cupping is usually done by silicone cups due to the ease of moving them across the skin and the benefit of not using a flame or pump based cupping set. This is a very popular and relaxing treatment as it combines the benefits of a massage and cupping therapy.
Hijama Cupping Points for Weight Loss
Another effective form of therapy is Hijama which is the Islamic form of wet cupping where the blisters or welts arising from suction are opened using a lancet. Next using another suction cup, a small amount of toxic blood and fluids are drawn from the skin to further remove blockages in the flow of healing energy of the body. For more information you may be interested in our comparison of wet and dry cupping, or our detailed description of the many different cupping techniques.
Using this chart of Hijama points, the recommended cupping points for weight loss are points 1, 55, 9, 10, 120, 49 and in particular any areas of desired weight loss. Daily massage cupping (using silicone cups as discussed previously) over the area of desired weight loss is recommended.
Reasons for Weight Gain
Chinese cupping and medicinal practices believe that weight gain and obesity are caused when the liver and spleen do not function optimally. The spleen controls the movements of the digestive system, directs the digestion of food and conversion of food and fluids into energy or “qi.” The spleen then directs this energy to all the parts of the body. When the spleen malfunctions, the qi stagnates and a condition called dampness or fat is created leading to weight gain.
The patient also experiences feeling of heaviness, water retention, slowed metabolism and fatigue. In addition, stress can cause the liver to imbalance leading to food cravings and uncontrolled eating. Luckily, cupping therapy can actually help in controlling weight gain.
Results of Cupping
Proper stimulation from cupping therapy can result in the release of stress and anxiety, eliminate water retention, remove toxins from the body, stimulate the digestive system, control food cravings, promote effective metabolism and bowel movements. All these factors when combined lead to weight loss in the patient’s body. Therapy sessions have shown to be very effective and patients have reported steady weight loss in each session. Though, the amount of actual weight loss could vary from patient to patient and on the initial weight. Thus the therapist recommends the number of sessions and their duration as per individual patient needs.
Additional Recommendations
Patients also receive a diet plan that includes healthy, balanced and nutritious food which if they follow, they can maintain weight loss on a long term basis. Some therapists might also prescribe the intake of approved Chinese herbs that assist in elevating metabolism levels and eliminating water retention and food cravings. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture may also be also be used as supplementary treatments to cupping therapy.
Online Source: https://www.cuppingresource.com/cupping-weight-loss/
The Benefits of Massage
Besides relaxation, the only potential benefit of a massage is to improve your blood circulation, according to Patricia Floyd, author of “Personal Health: Perspectives and Lifestyles.” Massages do nothing to change the way in which your body metabolizes food, so you’re not experiencing any increase in calories burned. Since calories are key to weight loss, a massage isn’t able to minimize the size of your waist, thighs or buttocks.
Caloric Deficit Dilemma
The only possible way to lose weight is by generating what’s known as a caloric deficit. It takes a deficit of 3,500 calories to lose 1 pound of fat. Massaging a certain part of the body doesn’t help you reach this deficit. Your options are to reduce your caloric intake or increase your level of physical activity. If you cut and burn enough calories to hit a deficit of 500 calories a day, you can expect to lose 1 pound of weight each week. A daily deficit of 750 calories provides a weight loss of 1 ½ pounds a week.
Massage: A Temporary Cellulite Fix
If you’re looking to lose cellulite, on the other hand, a massage may help to reduce its appearance. Vigorous massages combined with laser energy or radio waves can improve blood circulation as well as stimulate the movement of lymphatic fluids within the treated area. This may reduce the dimpled appearance of the skin associated with cellulite, but results are only short-lived, reports CNN Health. Typically, cellulite returns in about six month after treatment. Subsequent sessions are necessary to maintain the improved appearance.
Can Massage Influence Fat Loss Reduction?
Any improvement in cellulite shouldn’t be linked to a loss of fat. The massage isn’t doing anything to break up the fatty deposit or reduce your body fat percentage. Like the idea of spot-reduction, you can’t target fat. Massaging a certain area of the body may help to improve the contour for short period of time, but it’s not doing anything to stimulate fat loss. The only way you can do this is by a caloric deficit.
by
Online Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/300069-stomach-massage-for-weight-loss/